Questions and Answers
What is the primary role of the alveoli in the respiratory system?
How does carbon dioxide primarily get transported in the blood after it diffuses from tissues?
Which of the following correctly describes the function of bronchi in the respiratory system?
What percentage of oxygen transported in the blood is carried bound to hemoglobin?
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Which part of the brain is primarily responsible for the rhythmic control of breathing?
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What marks the beginning of the respiratory zones in the bronchial tree?
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Which structure is responsible for the actual gas exchange in the lungs?
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What describing characteristic of the lungs is true?
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What is the primary function of the bronchi in the respiratory system?
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In adults, the color of the lungs is typically known to be:
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Study Notes
The Bronchi and Subdivisions: The Bronchial Tree
- The respiratory zones initiate at terminal bronchioles leading to respiratory bronchioles, followed by alveolar ducts, sacs, and alveoli.
- Alveoli are the functional units of lungs where gas exchange between blood and air occurs.
Summary of the Pathway of Air
- Airflow sequence: External nose → Internal Nose (Nasal cavity) → Pharynx → Larynx → Trachea → Main (primary) bronchi → Lobar (secondary) bronchi → Segmental (tertiary) bronchi → Bronchioles → Terminal bronchioles → Respiratory bronchioles → Alveolar ducts → Alveolar sacs → Alveoli.
- Branching of primary bronchi occurs inside the lungs.
The Lungs
- Lungs are principal organs of respiration, connected to the heart and trachea at the hilum.
- Characteristics: Soft, spongy, elastic, weighing 0.5 kg each (1 kg total); cone-shaped, apex about 1 inch above the clavicle; pink in infants, dark gray in adults; inflated lungs float while fetal lungs sink in water.
Pulmonary Ventilation: Inspiration and Expiration
- Involves two phases: inspiration (inhaling) and expiration (exhaling).
Gas Exchange
- External respiration occurs in the alveoli where oxygen and carbon dioxide exchange between lungs and blood.
- Internal respiration involves gas exchange between blood and tissues.
- Oxygen Transport: 98.5% binds to hemoglobin as oxyhemoglobin, 1.5% remains dissolved in plasma.
- Carbon Dioxide Transport: 7% dissolved in plasma, 23% attached to hemoglobin (carbaminohemoglobin), 70% as bicarbonate ions.
Control of Respiration
- Medullary respiratory centers include the dorsal inspiratory group, which regulates the rhythm of breathing.
- Inspiratory neurons activate diaphragm and external intercostals; expiration occurs passively when these muscles relax.
- Normal respiratory rate ranges from 12 to 20 breaths per minute.
Nursing Diagnoses: Impaired Gas Exchange
- Definition: Imbalance in oxygenation and carbon dioxide elimination at the alveolar-capillary membrane.
- Related Factors: Ventilation-perfusion mismatch, alveolar-capillary membrane changes (e.g., ARDS, pneumonia), and hypoventilation (e.g., COPD).
Defining Characteristics
- Abnormal arterial blood gases (e.g., low PaO₂, high PaCO₂).
- Symptoms include cyanosis, confusion, dyspnea, fatigue, and tachypnea.
Goals/Outcomes for Patients
- Maintain optimal gas exchange indicated by normal ABG values.
- Patient should show relief from dyspnea and signs of adequate oxygenation.
Nursing Interventions
- Monitor ABGs and SpO₂ to evaluate gas exchange.
- Administer supplemental oxygen as needed to correct hypoxemia.
- Position patients to enhance lung expansion (e.g., Fowler’s position).
- Encourage controlled breathing techniques, such as pursed-lip breathing.
- Collaborate with respiratory therapists for potential mechanical ventilation needs.
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Description
This quiz delves into the structure and function of the bronchial tree and lungs. It covers the pathway of air through the respiratory system, the characteristics of the lungs, and the critical role of alveoli in gas exchange. Test your knowledge on respiratory anatomy and physiology.
